How to Read NCAA Odds: Spreads, Moneylines, and Totals

When the time of finals comes, NCAA betting experiences a big spike. Those are not only regular bettors willing to place bets but also students eager to support their college mates. Each year, the number of those ready to place their first bets during finals increases. Often, they are lost at the stage of understanding NCAA final odds and learning to read them. Here is a quick guide on the most popular bet types for you to make the most beneficial bet.

Point Spread

In simple words, a point spread is the margin a team needs to win by (or stay within) for your bet to pay. Thus, if you place a bet on the underdog with a 6 spread, it means that you win as long as the difference in score is less than 6. Yes, even if your team loses, 35:33, you still will be a winner.

Given that there are often back-to-back opponents in the NCAA finals, point spread bets are highly popular. They allow players to bet on underdogs when they feel that the 5–7 points can make the difference.

Moneylines

If you want much simpler betting with no need for calculations, choose moneyline bets. You just have to pick a winner of the match to receive a payout. That is it! Moneylines are perfect for beginners who make their first bets or do not want to dive deep into the statistics and teams’ capabilities. MyBookie sportsbook often has highly beneficial odds for moneyline bets, so it is always worth checking the website to ensure that no lucrative opportunity is missed.

Totals (Over/Under)

When you are a newbie to betting, totals are no more than trying to guess the total number of points scored by both teams. To make the task easier, bookmakers offer a certain number and allow players to decide if the total score will be over or under that number. Totals are popular because they let you bet on the pace and style of a match rather than picking a side.

If you are no longer a newbie to the NCAA, you will probably try to search for some statistics before placing a bet. According to TeamRankings, in recent seasons, around 52–55 % of games have finished under the posted total. Still, certain teams consistently lean toward overs due to the fast pace and high scoring.

Betting Tips for Beginners

Even if you are a newbie, the following simple tips can help you boost your chances of a winning bet. Make sure to do the following:

  • compare NCAA odds in different sportsbooks, as they are slightly different at each operator;
  • it is easy to lose your head with first bets, so make sure to manage your bankroll effectively and do not go beyond your budget;
  • do not ignore a possibility to find out more about teams before placing a bet.

While betting on the NCAA finals might be highly beneficial in terms of odds and wins, it is worth treating such betting as entertainment. When you start seeing sports betting as a source of income, it never works.

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